West Bridgewater animal control officers are scouring the area for a loose pit bull that police say was involved in a morning accident that shut down Route 24. A car that rolled over and burst into flames shut down Route 24 northbound for about an hour Monday morning, backing up traffic for approximately five miles.

By Amy Carboneau

The Enterprise, Brockton, MA

By Amy Carboneau

Posted Jun. 10, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 10, 2013 at 10:12 AM

By Amy Carboneau

Posted Jun. 10, 2013 at 12:01 AM
Updated Jun 10, 2013 at 10:12 AM

WEST BRIDGEWATER

» Social News

West Bridgewater animal control officers are scouring the area for a loose pit bull that police say was involved in a morning accident that shut down Route 24.

The dog, described as a young, small, black pit bull named Lulu was last seen around Stonehill College campus, in Easton. Jeni Mathers, who serves as an animal control officer for West Bridgewater, said herself and several volunteers had the dog cornered at the baseball field on campus when it slipped under the fence and was last seen running down Belmont Street on the Easton/Brockton line. Brockton animal control has also been contacted, Mathers said. Anyone with information is asked to call her at 508-294-3952, or contact West Bridgewater police at 508-586-2525.

State police say the dog is responsible for a morning crash in which a car rolled over and burst into flames, closing down Route 24 northbound for about an hour Monday morning, backing up traffic for approximately five miles.

The crash occurred at about 6:10 a.m. when a man lost control of his Saturn sedan, which flipped and “ignited as it turned,” said West Bridgewater Fire Capt. Kenney May.

“He got out of the car just in time and sustained no injuries,” said May. “Lucky guy.”

State police said the dog jumped on the owner inside the car, causing the accident. The dog was still missing as of about 1:30 p.m.

Authorities closed the entire northbound side of Route 24 until the car fire was extinguished, May said.

The crash occurred near exit 17 in West Bridgewater, and was backed up about five miles, state police estimated.

The scene was clear by 7:15 a.m.

Police said the crash remains under investigation and that charges are pending.

The driver was identified Monday afternoon as Nicolas Lownsdale, 20, of 40 Grove St., Taunton. Lownsdale did not immediately return a call for comment.